Telangana considers risk-based system for industrial fire clearances
Telangana’s Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department is examining a proposal to classify industries as low, medium or high risk to simplify Fire NOC procedures. The framework would link regulatory requirements to hazards while also promoting monitoring technology and continuing compliance checks.
Telangana is considering a risk-based framework for industrial fire clearances that would classify establishments as low, medium or high risk. The proposed system was discussed on Monday at a workshop with industrial stakeholders in Secunderabad. The Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department is examining the framework as a way to simplify Fire NOC procedures while matching safety requirements to the hazards posed by individual industries.
Under the proposed G1, G2 and G3 classification, G1 would cover low-hazard industries, G2 medium-hazard establishments and G3 high-hazard facilities. Classification would consider fire load, hazardous materials, storage, electrical and process risks, occupancy and the potential impact of an incident. The department is considering proportionate regulatory requirements instead of applying identical conditions to industries with different hazards.
Participants also discussed standardising procedures for provisional, occupancy and renewal Fire NOCs. Industry-specific checklists and minimum fire and life-safety requirements are being considered for each category. The discussions also covered third-party safety audits, periodic testing, preventive maintenance and emergency drills.
Technology was another focus of the workshop. Options under examination include internet-connected monitoring of firefighting systems, intelligent alarms and detection, aspirating smoke detection, thermal monitoring, gas and leak detection, and automated suppression systems. Such systems could provide real-time information on whether critical firefighting infrastructure is operating and allow faults to be addressed.
The department also discussed continuous compliance between statutory inspections and renewals. Representatives of industrial associations, major industries, architects, structural engineers, fire-safety and mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants, and safety professionals attended the workshop at St Mary’s College of Pharmacy. The department said feedback from the consultations would be examined while refining the proposed procedures, risk classifications and technology-enabled fire-safety framework.
The material does not state when a final system will be adopted.
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